TNAG-0479-FCO40-544-Strength-of-garrison-in-Hong-Kong-1974 — Page 131

FCO40 Hong Kong Department Records 聯邦事務部香港部檔案 All

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lact forces on the Northern Flank.

But our judgement

is that it is not cost-effective to retsin rejnierce-

ment capabilities for NATO-wide operations - arb

- na "dere hvogacía forca

Mobile

from our contribution to the ACE/Porce And our

Force L

novel and air forces ir the Pediterranean - which

ere of secondary importance in relation to the

Sixth

navies and auffines &t Re Medilenames

fa

Flest and the flittoral countries- will be

withdrawn.

Our judgement is that it makes better

sense to go for high quality forces in the key roles

rather than retaining militarily less effective

forces in all fields. This will become more

apparent in Field Narshell Carver's resenteljon.

home

17. Finally we propose mejor economies in the

support fieldg and the UK base. There will be

substantial economics in civilian wannower jand i

training and maintenance facilities ang Sione 15 kuud

stations in the United Kingdom will be closed.

believe that there is room for economy in the torb

field without significant impact or the Front Line

fighting capability. We have chosen to go for such

economies. In this we are to some extent erl

slimming down prorrarmes which the US Administration

are now conducting to improve teeth to tail tion.

Non-MATO

18. As for our comitments outside the Atlan'ic

Alliance. I should perhaps deal at the outset with

Diego Garcia. I am authorised to say that we me how

in a position to agree to your proposal to end

the facilities on the island. The terms and tiring

>

of a public announcerent can be discussed Jeter buf

we would envisage that an announcement could be rade in the context of the Defence Review and after your

/Con@roton 1

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